This paper examines the political interaction surrounding the resolution of educational issues in the New Mexico legislative budget process for the fiscal year 2000. It contains information about school vouchers, charter schools, collective bargaining and related personnel issues, and criticism of Governor Johnson's stance on public education in…

This booklet presents findings of a study that gathered information about charter schools. Representatives of more than 170 public charter schools were surveyed by mail, telephone or at national and regional meetings. Approximately 120 surveys were returned by representatives of 110 charter public schools in seven states--California, Colorado,…

The second-year report of the National Study of Charter Schools updates information on charter schools presented in the first report of the study. The study is a 4-year research effort (September 1995 to September 1999) intended to document and analyze the charter-school movement. It was designed to provide information about what kind of charter…

This book brings together ideas and strategies of prominent advocates of school reform. Discussing their experiences, especially in urban schools, in forming coalitions, framing court cases, and dealing with state politics in New Jersey, Texas, Illinois, Michigan, Alabama, Kentucky, and Washington, the contributors to this collection explore what…

This guide may be used by charter school operators in developing a business plan that can be used as a management tool in individual schools and in preparing applications for charters, renewals, and grants and loans. A sound business plan must reflect the school's ideas, assets, and needs clearly and succinctly. Drafting a business plan begins…

This report presents an overview defining what constitutes a charter school and how the existing 22 charter schools in Indiana are funded. 36 charter schools have been approved in Indiana as of Spring 2005. Of these, 22 schools have already begun operating, 10 are slated to open in the coming years, 2 have been closed down before they opened, and…

Research for Action (RFA) has been tracking changes in 86 Philadelphia schools that were originally identified as "low-performing" and targeted for intervention following the state takeover of the School District of Philadelphia in 2001. This document outlines some of the numerous changes that have occurred in these "Original…

Both the United States and Canadian provinces have moved to enhance educational choice within their educational systems to improve educational productivity. In spite of this similarity of purpose and means, the two nations are taking very different approaches. Most Canadian provinces have moved to full provincial financing of schools and to the…

Unlike many proposed educational reforms in the United States, charter schools enjoy support from policymakers across the political spectrum, making such schools a major focus of public school reform among educators and legislators. The origin of charter schools and how these schools are affecting education is the subject of this background paper.…

This report discusses strategies that will help charter schools finance their facilities needs. It outlines the history of the Colorado Charter Schools Act, focusing on the contracting process, on dispute resolution and appeals, on renewal, on employee options, and on revenue allocation. The document also examines issues surrounding school…

Vermont is the only state that does not require a balanced budget every fiscal year. Facing state budget shortfalls, many states were left with no choice but to examine possible cuts or at least flat levels of funding for schools. States are also facing costs with implementing new federal mandates under the No Child Left Behind Act. Additional…

Offers an analytical assessment of charter schools in Texas, which now serve over 17,000 students. Describes the beginning of charter schools in Texas in 1995. Discusses Texas charter schools' general characteristics, student characteristics, school attendance, school faculties, and student satisfaction. Discusses financial information (1997-98)…

Describes several reasons, based largely on dissatisfaction with New York City bureaucracy, why principal of International High School in Queens decided to accept invitation to become a charter school: Student selection challenges; need for school-based staffing; scheduling, financial, and purchasing rigidities; and state assessment requirements.…

At this point in his long and varied career in public education, Joe Nathan, the author of this article is beginning to doubt some of his previous stances about the principles under which public schools should operate. He remains, however, a staunch supporter of public charter schools. As he reads Frederick Hess' argument that we need to…

To help inform policymakers and the public about the progress of education in the United States, Congress has mandated that the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) produce an annual report, "The Condition of Education." This year's report presents 42 indicators on important topics and trends in U.S. education. These…